U.S. patent application number 10/678154 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for vending machine dispensing system.
Invention is credited to Black, Talbert James JR., Meinardi, Thomas Roger, Richardson, Edmund Scott, Ware, Terring M..
Application Number | 20040104239 10/678154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32398264 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040104239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Black, Talbert James JR. ;
et al. |
June 3, 2004 |
Vending machine dispensing system
Abstract
A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor,
a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular
product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to
emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to
accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system
incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm.
The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a
plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product
being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and
load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers
have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft
start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output
shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the
motor.
Inventors: |
Black, Talbert James JR.;
(Pelion, SC) ; Meinardi, Thomas Roger; (Aiken,
SC) ; Richardson, Edmund Scott; (Simpsonville,
SC) ; Ware, Terring M.; (Aiken, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DIEDERIKS & WHITELAW, PLC
12471 Dillingham Square, #301
Woodbrige
VA
22192
US
|
Family ID: |
32398264 |
Appl. No.: |
10/678154 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60415761 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
|
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60415767 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
|
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60415773 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
221/124 ;
221/133; 221/289 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 11/04 20130101;
G07F 11/10 20130101; G07F 11/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/124 ;
221/133; 221/289 |
International
Class: |
B65H 003/44; G07F
011/00; B65G 059/00 |
Claims
I/We claim:
1. A vending machine comprising: a cabinet frame including top,
bottom, side and rear walls that collectively define a central
cavity; a plurality of column walls positioned in the central
cavity to define a plurality of stack areas, each of the plurality
of stack areas being adapted to receive an associated plurality of
product containers; a door having an opening, said door being
pivotally mounted to the cabinet frame to enable selective access
to the central cavity in order to permit loading of product
containers in the plurality of stack areas; a product delivery
chute arranged below the plurality of stack areas, said product
delivery chute being adapted to conduct a selected one of the
plurality of product containers to the opening in the door; and a
dispensing system arranged between the plurality of stack areas and
the product delivery chute, said dispensing system including: a
vend motor assembly including a vend motor, a motor shaft, a
rotation sensor, a position sensor, a controller operatively
connected to both the rotation sensor and the position sensor, and
a cam member connected to the motor shaft, said controller
operating the vend motor through a pulse width modulated signal to
provide a soft start wherein a speed of the motor shaft is
gradually increased upon activation of the vend motor; a cradle
member for supporting at least one of the plurality of product
containers prior to a vend operation, said cradle member including
a first end operatively connected to the motor shaft, a second end
rotatably supported in the central cavity, and an intermediate
portion, wherein rotation of the cradle member is regulated by the
controller based on signals from the rotation and position sensors
such that the cradle member is rotated to within 1/3.degree. of a
desired vend angle during a vending operation; a load bar mounted
for pivotal movement relative to the cradle member, said load bar
being movable between a first position wherein the load bar
supports the plurality of product containers, and a second position
wherein the load bar releases at least one of the plurality of
containers into the cradle member; and a push arm operatively
connected between the vend motor assembly and the load bar, said
push arm being adapted to be shifted upon rotation of the motor
shaft to selectively move the load bar between the first and second
positions in order to replenish the products contained in the
cradle member.
2. A vending machine comprising: a cabinet frame including top,
bottom, side and rear walls that collectively define a central
cavity; a plurality of column walls positioned in the central
cavity to define a plurality of stack areas, each of the plurality
of stack areas being adapted to receive an associated plurality of
product containers; a door having an opening, said door being
pivotally mounted to the cabinet frame to enable selective access
to the central cavity in order to permit loading of product
containers in the plurality of stack areas; a product delivery
chute arranged below the plurality of stack areas, said product
delivery chute being adapted to conduct a selected one of the
plurality of product containers to the opening in the door; and a
dispensing system arranged between the plurality of stack areas and
the product delivery chute, said dispensing system including: a
vend motor assembly; a cradle member for supporting at least one of
the plurality of product containers prior to a vend operation, said
cradle member including a first end operatively connected to the
motor shaft, a second end rotatably supported in the central cavity
and an intermediate portion; a load bar mounted for pivotal
movement relative to the cradle, said load bar being movable
between a first position wherein the load bar supports the
plurality of product containers, and a second position wherein the
load bar releases at least one of the plurality of container into
the cradle; and a push arm operatively connected between the vend
motor assembly and the load bar, said push arm being adapted to be
shifted upon rotation of the motor shaft to selectively move the
load bar between the first and second positions in order to enable
replenishing of products contained on the cradle member.
3. The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the
intermediate portion includes at least one notch that establishes a
vend angle for dispensing a product container during a vend
operation.
4. The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the at least
one notch is constituted by a plurality of terraced notches, said
cradle being adapted to sequentially dispense product containers
pass respective ones of the plurality of terraced notched as the
cradle is rotated during sequential vend operations.
5. The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing
system includes a return spring, said return spring being adapted
to return the push arm to a set position after the push arm moves
the load bar to the second position.
6. The vending machine according to claim 5, wherein the push arm
includes an ear element, said ear element being adapted to receive
a first end of the return spring, with a second end of the return
spring being fixed relative to the cabinet frame.
7. The vending machine according to claim 5, wherein the push arm
includes a guide element adapted to ride along an opening provided
on a front plate portion of the vending machine, said guide element
guiding the push arm to the set position after moving the load bar
to the second position.
8. The vending machine according to claim 7, wherein the guide
element travels within an opening formed in a frontal support wall
of the vending machine.
9. The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the vend motor
includes an output shaft having a first hub portion and a second
hub portion, said second hub portion projecting axially from the
first hub portion and being interconnected with the cradle
member.
10. The vending machine according to claim 9, wherein the first hub
portion includes a cam surface and a lifting arm, said lifting arm
being adapted to activate the push arm to shift the load bar
between the first and second positions.
11. A vending machine comprising: a cabinet frame including top,
bottom, side and rear walls that collectively define a central
cavity; a plurality of column walls positioned in the central
cavity to define a plurality of stack areas, each of the plurality
of stack areas being adapted to receive an associated plurality of
product containers; a door having an opening, said door being
pivotally mounted to the cabinet frame to enable selective access
to the central cavity in order to permit loading of product
containers in the plurality of stack areas; a product delivery
chute arranged below the plurality of stack areas, said product
delivery chute being adapted to conduct a selected one of the
plurality of product containers to the opening in the door; and a
dispensing system arranged between the plurality of stack areas and
the product delivery chute, said dispensing system including: a
vend motor assembly including a vend motor, a motor shaft, a
rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a controller operatively
connected to both the rotation sensor and the position sensor; and
a cradle member for supporting at least one of the plurality of
product containers prior to a vend operation, said cradle member
including a first end operatively connected to the motor shaft, a
second end rotatably supported in the central cavity, and an
intermediate portion, wherein rotation of the cradle member is
regulated by the controller based on signals from the rotation and
position sensors such that the cradle member is rotated to within
1/3.degree. of a desired vend angle during a vending operation.
12. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the vend
motor is a 24-volt DC motor.
13. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the vend
motor assembly includes a motor housing, said motor housing
supporting the vend motor, the rotation sensor, the position sensor
and the controller.
14. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the
dispensing system includes: a load bar mounted for pivotal movement
relative to the cradle member, said load bar being movable between
a first position wherein the load bar supports the plurality of
product containers, and a second position wherein the load bar
releases at least one of the plurality of containers into the
cradle member; and a push arm operatively connected between the
vend motor assembly and the load bar, said push arm being adapted
to be shifted upon rotation of the motor shaft to selectively move
the load bar between the first and second positions in order to
replenish the products contained in the cradle member.
15. The vending machine according to claim 14, wherein the vend
motor includes an output shaft having a first hub portion and a
second hub portion, said second hub portion projecting axially from
the first hub portion and being interconnected with the cradle
member.
16. The vending machine according to claim 15, wherein the first
hub portion includes a cam surface and a lifting arm, said lifting
arm being adapted to activate the push arm to shift the load bar
between the first and second positions.
17. A vending machine comprising: a cabinet frame including top,
bottom, side and rear walls that collectively define a central
cavity; a plurality of column walls positioned in the central
cavity to define a plurality of stack areas, each of the plurality
of stack areas being adapted to receive an associated plurality of
product containers; a door having an opening, said door being
pivotally mounted to the cabinet frame to enable selective access
to the central cavity in order to permit loading of product
containers in the plurality of stack areas; a product delivery
chute arranged below the plurality of stack areas, said product
delivery chute being adapted to conduct a selected one of the
plurality of product containers to the opening in the door; and a
dispensing system arranged between the plurality of stack areas and
the product delivery chute, said dispensing system including: a
vend motor assembly including a vend motor, a motor shaft, a
rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a controller operatively
connected to both the rotation sensor and the position sensor, said
controller operating the vend motor in a soft start mode wherein a
speed of the motor shaft is gradually increased upon initiation of
a vend operation.
18. The vending machine according to claim 17, wherein the soft
start ode is achieved through a pulse width modulated signal.
19. The vending machine according to claim 18, wherein the pulse
width modulated signal initially starts with a low pulse width
ratio.
20. The vending machine according to claim 19, wherein said low
pulse width ratio is substantially doubled with each successive
pulse until a 100% duty cycle is achieved.
21. The vending machine according to claim 17, wherein, upon
completion of a vend operation, said controller operates the vend
motor in reverse to prevent pilfering of products from the
cradle.
22. A method of performing a vending operation in a vending machine
comprising: selecting one of a plurality of containers arranged
within a cavity of the vending machine; signaling a vend motor unit
to begin rotating a cradle upon which rests the selected one of the
plurality of containers; sensing a degree of rotation of a first
rotating member of the vend motor unit; monitoring a position of a
second rotating member of the vend motor unit; determining a vend
angle position of the cradle based on the sensed degree of rotation
at the first rotating member and the monitored position of the
second rotating member; and rotating the cradle to within
1/3.degree. of a desired vend angle to cause the selected one of
the plurality of containers to fall into a delivery chute of the
vending machine.
23. A method of performing a vend operation in a vending machine
comprising: selecting one of a plurality of containers arranged
within a central cavity of the vending machine; sending a pulse
width modulated signal to initiate operation of a vend motor
operatively connected to a cradle upon which rests the selected one
of the plurality of containers; controlling the vend motor in a
soft start mode by regulating the pulse width modulated signal so
as to gradually increase a rotational speed of the vend motor; and
rotating the cradle through a desired vend angle to cause the
selected one of the plurality of containers to be dispensed from
the vending machine.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: starting the pulse
width modulated signal at a low pulse with ratio.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: substantially
doubling the low pulse width ratio with each successive pulse until
a 100% duty cycle is achieved.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/415,767 entitled "VENDING MACHINE
ROTOR DISPENSING SYSTEM" filed on Oct. 4, 2002; U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/415,761 entitled "COMPACT DC VEND
MOTOR ASSEMBLY" filed on Oct. 4, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/415,773 entitled "VEND MOTOR SOFT START"
filed on Oct. 4, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains to the art of vending
machines and, more particularly, to a dispensing system for a
vending machine.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0005] Vending machines are commonly utilized in dispensing a wide
range of products, including canned and bottled beverages, edible
food items, and other consumer products. In the case of dispensing
beverage products, it is desirable to configure a vending machine
such that it is capable of dispensing various different sized and
configured beverage containers. That is, as manufacturers of
beverage products alter their container designs, it is desirable to
not require the vending machine itself to be reconfigured, at least
substantially, to accommodate a new product. Of course, the
reliability of the overall dispensing system of the vending machine
must be maintained.
[0006] For use in connection with dispensing canned and bottled
beverage products, there is typically employed either a vend rotor
or oscillator which is driven by a vend motor to sequentially
dispense the beverage containers. In the case of the rotor, this
arrangement generally takes the form of a cradle which initially
receives one or more of the beverage products to be dispensed. Such
cradles are typically semi-cylindrical in shape and mounted for
rotation about a fore-to-aft extending axis under a column or stack
of stored products. As the cradle rotates, the product(s) carried
therein is dispensed. Typically, the cradle will be
compartmentalized such that two or more fore-to-aft spaced products
can be supported at any given time, with each product being
sequentially dropped from the cradle as the cradle performs a
complete 360.degree. rotation, whereupon the cradle receives one or
more additional products for dispensing. Known oscillator-type
dispensing arrangements work on a generally similar principal,
except that the corresponding product support or retention
structure is driven to oscillate back and forth through a
predetermined angle for dispensing sequential containers from a
stack.
[0007] Therefore, in connection with these conventional can and
bottle vending machines, motors are employed to establish the
required rotation or oscillation which, in turn, functions to
release stored products from within a storage rack. Whether the
motor is coupled to a rotating (rotor) or oscillating (oscillator
or bale) vending device, the overall system design must be
configured to accommodate the particular product parameters. To
this end, vendors typically employ a variety of shims, bottle rods,
rod sleeves or the like to adjust the vending geometry as needed.
Obviously, requiring these additional components to provide vending
flexibility is undesirable, costly to manufacture, and increases
overall assembly time.
[0008] In order to establish the desired rotation or oscillation,
vending machines also utilize the various motors to move mechanisms
in the form of cams and the like. In turn, the mechanisms release
stored product from within a stack or storage rack arranged within
the vending machine. In order to properly execute a vending
operation each and every time a selection is made, motor shaft
position must be controlled. In general, prior art vending machines
typically use either AC or DC motors mounted to a plate within the
vending machine. The motors are coupled to a cam and switch system
which, in turn, controls the position of either the rotating or
oscillating bail vending device. Furthermore, the vend motor must
include an anti-pilferage mechanism as required to meet UL
standards.
[0009] In operation, the cams and switches, when actuated by the
motor, operate the rotating or oscillating bail device to dispense
a product. Once the product vends, the cam interrupts power to the
motor. Alternatively, the cam might interrupt power to a controller
which, in turn, interrupts power to the motor. In any event,
through a rather complicated arrangement of cams, switches and
associated linkages, once a vending operation is complete, power to
the motor is interrupted. In this manner, pilferage from the
machine is limited.
[0010] Certainly these systems have proven themselves effective
over the years, however, the overall complexity of the mechanisms
has resulted in numerous failures. Cam mechanisms wear, switches
fail, and bottles and cans jam in the stacks. Vending machines
require constant maintenance in order to ensure the proper vending
of product. Naturally, in order to remain profitable, the
maintenance costs are passed on to the consumer through elevated
prices of the vended product.
[0011] Still another concern is wear and tear on vend motor
components. In typical fashion, upon receipt of an electrical
signal, the vend motor activates instantaneously. That is, the
output shaft moves from a state of rest to a dynamic state almost
immediately. This abrupt change in state places a great deal of
stress on gears, shafts and other components in the drive train.
Over time, these stresses will cause a failure in the vending
operation.
[0012] Based on the above, there exists a need in the art for an
improved product delivery system for a vending machine which is
designed to flexibly accommodate future package configurations,
such as the length and/or diameter of various beverage containers,
without requiring an undue number of components. In addition, there
exists a need to more accurately control a vend motor by
simplifying the overall cam and/or switch arrangement. Furthermore,
there exists a need to operate a dispensing system in a manner so
as to minimize stresses on motor components. In general, there
exists a need to enhance the versatility and reliability of a
vending machine dispensing assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a dispensing system for
a vending machine. In accordance with the most preferred form of
the invention, the dispensing system includes a vend motor, a
notched rotor, a push arm member, a return spring and a load bar.
The vend motor is carried by a motor housing attached to support
structure of the vending machine. An output of the vend motor is
utilized to rotate an output cam member which, in turn, drives the
notched rotor. The push arm member includes a first end portion
rotatably mounted to a boss provided as part of the motor housing,
while a second end portion of the push arm member is positioned
along a peripheral portion of the output cam. In this fashion, as
the cam rotates, the push arm member glides along the peripheral
portion. The push arm is also connected to the load bar, retained
by the return spring, and pivoted when engaged by a projection or
lifting arm provided about a portion of the output cam.
[0014] With this arrangement, the vend motor functions to rotate
the rotor to a series of controlled, dispensing positions. These
positions actually correspond to spacing required in connection
with properly dispensing a given product. In a hold position, the
rotor is positioned to prevent pilferage. The notches provided as
part of the rotor establish the vending geometry required for a
wide variety of packages, without the need for additional
components such as shims, bottle rods and the like. The rotor can
actually be configured to any combination of notch length, depth
and quantity to vend a variety of products. Therefore, a single
rotor configuration will accommodate an abundance of present and
future package designs. A corresponding arrangement can be
established employing an oscillator.
[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the vend motor includes a main body housing, a DC motor, a
plurality of sensors, an electronic controller, e.g., a I/O control
board, and an actuating member. Each motor assembly is mounted to
internal structure of the vending machine below an associated
bottle stack. In the preferred form of the invention, each
respective motor assembly is interconnected to a main, programmable
controller which functions to operate a particular vend motor based
on a consumer selection.
[0016] Specifically, a 24-volt DC motor having an input shaft and
an output shaft is mounted to a top portion of the main body
housing. More specifically, the output shaft is connected to a
rotator or oscillator device through a gear system contained in the
main body housing. Preferably, an input shaft rotation sensor is
secured to the motor assembly and positioned to measure the angular
rotation of the input shaft. In addition to the rotation sensor, a
position sensor is mounted to the motor housing and positioned to
measure the angular position of the output shaft. Preferably, the
rotation and position sensors constitute magnetic sensor devices.
However, other sensors, e.g., optical, hall-effect, detent and the
like, are acceptable. Preferably, the position sensor is accurate
to within 1/3.degree. of rotation.
[0017] In accordance with the present invention, each of the
rotation and position sensors interconnect with the electronic
controller mounted to the motor housing. In this manner, a main
controller can operate the vend motor to efficiently accomplish a
desired vending operation. By mounting the sensors and motor to a
housing having a profile which fits within the profile of the DC
motor, a compact vending motor package is created which improves
product delivery efficiency. With this overall arrangement, the
combination of the input and output sensors and the electronic
controller allow for very accurate, programmed motor position
control preferably to within 1/3.degree. of shaft rotation. In this
preferred form of the invention, the sensors and controller
eliminate the need for position sensing cams and switches and
simplify the overall wiring of the machine. Additionally, through
simple programming of the main controller, the rotator or
oscillator vend position can be adjusted so as to eliminate the
need for shims, bottle rods, and bottle rod sleeves.
[0018] In further accordance with the present invention, use of the
24-volt DC motor enables bi-directional movement of the rotator or
oscillator device. With this arrangement, by simply controlling the
polarity of power supplied to the motor, forward and reverse
operation of the output shaft is possible. Accordingly, once the
vending operation is complete, the motor output shaft can be
reversed or backed-up to a "hold" position which prevents pilferage
from the machine. In this manner, the DC vend motor of the present
invention meets the requirements established by Underwriter's
Laboratories.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the dispensing system includes a soft start control. The soft start
control utilizes a memory module in which is stored a software
program for generating a start signal for the vend motor. The
software program creates a dynamic pulse width modulated (PWM)
signal for starting the motor. Preferably, the program's PWM signal
starts with a low pulse width ratio that doubles with each
successive pulse until a 100% duty cycle is achieved. In this
manner, current is gradually applied to the motor such that the
transition from a state of rest to a dynamic state is buffered.
With this arrangement, the gears, shafts and other drive components
will realize extended operational life.
[0020] The PWM signal of the present invention can easily be varied
through manipulation of the software code such that a wide range of
frequencies can be achieved. In this fashion, a particular PWM
train can be implemented for each motor type, or design
requirement. Further in accordance with the present invention, the
soft start control is designed to be a "start and forget" system.
Accordingly, once a 100% duty cycle is achieved, the software
program terminates. In this manner, additional monitoring and
termination of the signal is no longer required.
[0021] Additional objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more readily apparent from the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in
conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer
to corresponding parts in the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vending machine, shown having a
main door in an open position exposing internal structure of the
machine to illustrate interior vending zones, incorporating the
vending machine dispensing system of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing system of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view into the vending machine
of FIG. 1, further showing the dispensing system of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a partial, front plan view of the vending machine
of FIG. 1, with one vend motor removed to illustrate a push arm
arrangement constructed in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vend motor assembly
depicting rotation and position sensors arranged in accordance with
the present invention, along with a block diagram depicting a soft
start system employed in connection with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] With initial reference to FIG. 1, a vending machine 2
includes a cabinet frame 4 having top, bottom, side and rear walls
6-10 that collectively define a central cavity 14. In a manner
known in the art, a first pair of wheels or casters 16 and 17 are
secured to a front edge portion of bottom wall 7 to facilitate the
positioning of vending machine 2. Of course it should be realized
that a second pair of wheels (not shown) are also arranged on a
rear portion of bottom wall 7. A door 18 is pivotally mounted to
cabinet frame 4 to selectively enable access to central cavity 14
in order to load various product containers or other commodities
into vending machine 2. Door 18 is provided with a locking
mechanism, shown in the form of a threaded rod 19, to retain door
18 in a closed position so as to prevent pilfering of the
commodities from central cavity 14. Door 18 is also provided with
an opening 20 to enable a consumer to remove a vended product
container or other commodity from vending machine 2.
[0028] Central cavity 14 includes a storage section 21, a
dispensing section 22, a delivery section 24 and a lower section
26. Storage section 21 is provided to hold products in escrow until
a vending operation is performed. Towards that end, storage section
21 is provided with a plurality of vertically extending column
walls 32-36 which, together with side walls 8 and 9, form a
plurality of column or stack areas 40-45. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, stack areas 40-45 constitute single stack columns.
However, it should be understood that the present invention also
encompasses vending machines having multi-stack columns. In any
event, stack areas 40-45 are partitioned by walls 32-36 to contain,
separate and support a plurality of generally cylindrical
containers 49 which, in the embodiment shown, constitute soda
cans.
[0029] As further shown in FIG. 1, dispensing section 22 is
provided with a frontal support wall 60 having arranged thereon a
plurality of vend motor units, one of which is indicated at 65. As
will be discussed more fully below, a plurality of cradles (not
shown), that support and deliver product container 49 to a
consumer, are arranged behind frontal support wall 60. Actually,
each column or stack area 40-45 is provided with an associated
cradle (not shown) that is operated through a respective one of the
plurality of vend motor unit 65. Upon selection of a particular
product container 49 or other commodity, one of the plurality of
vend motor unit 65 is activated to rotate a respective cradle
causing a product container 49, corresponding to the selected
product to emerge from vending machine 2. That is, product
container 49 is transported to a product delivery chute 70 provided
in delivery section 24 which is exposed to opening 20 in door 18.
In order to maintain containers 49 in a refrigerated state, lower
section 26 is provided with a cooling system 75. In general, the
above description is provided for the sake of completeness and to
enable a better understanding of the invention. The present
invention is particularly directed to a vending system for
delivering a product from stack areas 40-45 to product delivery
chute 70.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, a vending system constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is
indicated generally at 100. As each stack area 40-45 includes a
distinct vending system 100, the vending system 100 for column area
44 will be described in detail and it is to be understood that each
of stack areas 40-43 and 45 has a corresponding vending system 100.
As shown, vending system 100 includes vend motor unit 65, a notched
cradle 106, a load bar 108, a push arm 110 and a return spring 112.
Cradle 106 and load bar 108 extend fore-to-aft in a bottom portion
of column area 44. In accordance with a preferred form of the
invention, vend motor unit 65, push arm 110 and return spring 112
are actually mounted on an outside surface of frontal support wall
60 and, as will be discussed more fully below, are operatively
connected to cradle 106 and load bar 108.
[0031] In accordance with the depicted embodiment of the present
invention, the overall vend motor unit 65 includes a motor housing
120 that supports a motor 122. Preferably, motor 122 is a 24-volt
DC electric motor having an output shaft 124 interconnected to a
vend motor unit output shaft 125 through a gear mechanism (not
shown). More specifically, vend motor unit output shaft 125
includes a first hub portion 128 having a cam surface 130 provided
with a lifting arm 131. Vend motor unit output shaft 125 also
includes a second hub portion 134 that projects from first hub
portion 128. When mounted to frontal support wall 60, second hub
portion 134 projects through an opening 136 having a bushing 137.
Bushing 137 limits the wear on hub 134 as motor 122 rotates vend
motor unit output shaft 125 through various vend positions. As
shown, second hub portion 134 includes a plurality of lands and
grooves (not separately labeled) which, as will be discussed more
fully below, operatively engage with cradle 106 through opening
136.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 5, vending system 100 includes a motor
shaft rotation sensor 140 and a motor shaft position sensor 142,
each of which is electrically connected to an I/O controller 144.
Preferably, I/O controller 144 includes a memory module 145 for
storing particular positions of output shaft 124 and vend motor
unit output shaft 125. Rotation sensor 140 and position sensor 144
can be of various types, such as Hall effect sensors, magnetic
sensors as well as other non-mechanical sensors, that provide very
accurate inputs to I/O controller 144. With this particular
arrangement, the position of vend motor unit output shaft 125 can
be controlled in a very precise manner. That is, I/O controller 144
can determine, within approximately {fraction (1/3)} of a degree of
rotation, a particular position of vend motor unit output shaft
125. Motor housing 120 is also provided with a terminal block
element 150 which electrically interconnects vend motor unit 65
with a main vend control 152 through a wire harness 153. As also
illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of spacers 155-157 are arranged
about motor housing 120. As will be discussed more fully below,
spacers 155 and 157 orient vend motor unit 65 with respect to
frontal support wall 60, as well as the remainder of the components
of vending system 100.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, cradle 106 includes a first end 167
provided with a hub portion 168 having a plurality of lands and
grooves (not separately labeled) that are adapted to engage with
second hub portion 134 of vend motor unit 65. First end 167 leads
to a second end 170 through an intermediate portion 172.
Preferably, intermediate portion 172 includes a plurality of
terraced notches or grooves, one of which is indicated at 176.
Cradle 106 is adapted to support a plurality of containers at a
position adjacent to each of the plurality of notches 176. During a
vend operation when cradle 106 is rotated through various vend
angles, a product(s) resting in intermediate portion 172 will be
sequentially dispensed from vending machine 2. The particular
programming of the vend angles into controller 140 does not form
part of the present invention and is actually set forth in greater
detail in a U.S. patent application entitled "Microprocessor
Programmable and Selectable Vending Options and Control" which is
filed on even date herewith and incorporated herein by
reference.
[0034] As further illustrated in FIG. 2, load bar 108 includes a
first end 186, a second end 187, and an intermediate portion 188.
More specifically, first end 186 is provided with a forward guide
member 190 adapted to extend through an opening 191 in frontal
support wall 60 (see FIG. 4). Also arranged on first end 186 is a
pivot member 192 which is supported for rotation in a bushing 193
on frontal support wall 60. In a similar manner, second end 187 is
provided with a rear guide member 194 adapted to travel in a rear
guide track 195 (also see FIG. 3) arranged in rear wall 10.
Adjacent to rear guide member 194 is a rear pivot member 196 which
is rotatably supported by rear wall 10 and axially aligned with
forward pivot member 192 to define an axis of rotation for load bar
108.
[0035] During select portions of a vend operation, load bar 108 is
moved between a first position wherein intermediate portion 188
supports a column of product containers, to a second position
enabling a lowermost container(s) to be carried into cradle 106.
Toward that end, push arm 110 is provided with a first end 202
having a hub 203 adapted to matingly engage with guide member 190
of load bar 108. First end 202 of push arm 110 is also provided
with an ear element 204 having a central opening (not separately
labeled) for connecting with return spring 112. First end 202 leads
to a second end 206 adapted to ride along cam surface 130 of first
hub portion 128 during the vend operation. In addition, second end
206 is provided with a guide element 208 adapted to travel in a
guide opening 210 located in frontal support wall 60. With this
construction, rotation of vend motor unit output shaft 125 will
cause lifting arm 131 to engage with second end 206 of push arm
110. Lifting arm 131 causes push arm 110 to translate upward,
moving load bar 108 from a first or support position to a second or
loading position, thus enabling product containers 49 to fall into
cradle 106. As lifting arm 131 continues to translate upward, guide
element 208 travels within guide opening 210, whereupon push arm
110 will eventually return to an initial set position under the
force of return spring 112.
[0036] The manner in which vending system 100 carries out a vend
operation will now be described. In a manner known in the art, to
initiate the vend operation, a consumer inserts currency into a
designated opening provided on vending machine 2. At this point,
the consumer selects one of a plurality of products through various
control elements (not shown) generally arranged on an outer surface
of door 18. After product selection, main control 152 signals the
I/O controller 144 to activate a vend motor unit 65 corresponding
to a particular stack area 40-45 in which the selected product is
located. Actuation of vend motor unit 65 causes vend motor unit
output shaft 125 to begin to rotate cradle 106 to a particular vend
angle. Following each vend operation, controller 144 stores an
angle value or position corresponding to a previously vended
product. I/O controller 144 will rotate cradle 106 a predetermined
amount in order to cause the selected product container to fall
passed the associated one of the plurality of grooves 176 into
product delivery chute 70. After a predetermined number of vending
operations, generally corresponding to the storage capacity of
cradle 106, lift arm 131 causes push arm 110 to travel within
opening 191, causing load bar 108 to deflect or move to its second
position in order to allow additional product containers 49 to be
replenished or reloaded in cradle 106. During the entire operation,
I/O controller 144 senses, through inputs received from rotation
sensor 140 and position sensor 142, the rotational angle of cradle
106.
[0037] In accordance with the most preferred form of the present
invention, I/O controller 144 supplies motor 122 with a pulse width
modulated (PWM) signal to control a speed at which vend motor unit
output shaft 125 rotates. I/O controller 144 includes a program,
stored in memory 145, for generating a particular start signal for
vend motor unit 65. That is, a ramped PWM signal is sent to motor
122 so as to gradually increase the rotational speed of vend motor
unit 65. Preferably, the PWM signal starts with a low pulse width
ratio that doubles with each successive pulse until a 100%
duty-cycle is attained. In this manner, electrical current is
gradually applied to motor 122 such that a transition from a state
of rest to a dynamic state is buffered. The PWM signal of the
present invention can be easily varied, such as through a
manipulation of software code, such that a wide range of
frequencies can be achieved. In this manner, a particular PWM train
can be developed for each application. In further accordance with
the present invention, the soft start control is designed to be a
"start and forget" system. That is, once initiated, additional
monitoring is not required. With this construction, rapid starts
and stops that typically wear motor components are eliminated. In
further accordance with the most preferred form of the invention,
I/O controller 144, rotation sensor 140 and position sensor 142 are
all carried by motor housing 120 and arranged in a manner to
maintain a thin profile for vend motor unit 65.
[0038] In any event, it should be recognized that the vending
system of the present invention provides an accurate product
dispensing control, preferably to within approximately 1/3.degree.
of rotation, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical position
sensing components. Moreover, by incorporating the controller and
various sensors into vend motor unit 65, the overall wiring of
vending machine 2 is simplified. The vending system also eliminates
the need for shims or bottle rods to adjust for various product
container sizes. Furthermore, vend motor unit 65 prevents pilfering
from vending machine 2 as required by U.L. standards.
[0039] Although described with reference to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, it should be readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes and/or modifications
can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit
thereof. For instance, it should be recognized that the cradle
could be in the form of an oscillator or rotor and that various
cradles could be used to accommodate different product container
sizes. Also, it should be noted that the vend motor can be made
operable in both forward and reverse rotational directions. Most
preferably, after a vend operation, the vend motor is partially
reversed so as to prevent unauthorized removal or pilfering of
product containers from the vending machine. In any event, the
invention is only intended to be limited to the scope of the
following claims.
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